Dorman 533-285 Suspension Ball Joint - Front Lower

Dorman 533-285 Front Lower Ball Joint

Dorman 533-285 is a threaded suspension ball joint built as a direct replacement for the original equipment on specific Volkswagen and Porsche applications. It uses a steel body with a rubber dust boot and standard replacement-grade construction for front lower suspension service.

Key Features

• Threaded, bolt-in style suspension ball joint for front lower applications
• Steel construction with grey finish
• Rubber dust boot included
• Standard replacement-grade design
• Mounting hardware included
• 12 mm wrench size
• Pinch-style stud design

Detailed Description

This Dorman suspension ball joint is engineered for direct replacement use on select Volkswagen Cabriolet, Jetta, Rabbit Convertible, Rabbit Pickup, Atlantic, and Porsche 924 and 944 front lower suspension positions. The Dorman 533-285 follows the original equipment mounting style with a threaded, bolt-in design and three mounting holes for a secure installation. It is built from steel and includes a rubber dust boot to help protect the joint from road contamination.

This part cross-references Mevotech Supreme MK9061 and Delphi TC207 for the same application. It is a practical choice when replacing worn front lower ball joints on 1980-1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 1985-1993 Volkswagen Cabriolet, or 1977-1982 Porsche 924 applications.

What It Helps Fix

• Front-end looseness or play from a worn ball joint
• Clunking or knocking noises from the lower suspension
• Uneven tire wear caused by suspension joint wear
• Steering instability or wandering at the front axle
• Inspection failure related to excessive ball joint movement

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify front lower fitment by year, make, model, and position before installation. This part uses a bolt-in mounting type with three mounting holes and a 12 mm wrench size. Inspect the surrounding control arm and mounting points for wear, and replace any damaged hardware or components as needed during service. Confirm the vehicle-specific application for 1985 Porsche 944 models built to 2/01/85.

Quality Assurance

Dorman states that this replacement ball joint is precision-engineered and rigorously tested to provide reliable OE-style service on the listed vehicles. The part number is 533-285.